Quick correction to the above post: the LN2 cools it down to -70C or colder; with dry ice alone you can get down to -42C

@bonessk – That’s a good statement, as most consumer (or even “rugged”) electronics are rated at -40 to +80C, and that’s not good enough in winter in Canada (or any other country in the north :P). Winter in the territories is wicked.

I suppose the lack of air pressure is a further test that some components would need a test or a pressurized vessel for..

Mark is right, the main problem are huge temperature differences . You should also remember that in space there is heavy radiation, so you have to use special radhard IC or at last old ICs which have big transistors, not that easily destryed by single particle.

You don’t need gigantic devices to get a small area (components) down to “space level” temps. The device I have at work (Space Level Components) is just an over-glorified refrigerator compressor. In order to hit the temps required for “space level”, you should really use nitrogen in the “air blast” instead of normal air, to avoid any issues with moisture freezing and damaging the device. Dry ice and LN2 is fun and all, but having a steady supply isn’t worth the effort. Re-purpose an old fridge compressor setup, add in some TECs (Peltier Devices) if its not enough, and have fun.

Nice idea, it would be worth looking at the intercooler performance development.